It's so easy to drift off into Carefree Land the minute the Christmas season rolls around, isn’t it? Every ounce of discipline you've had throughout the year with things like hitting targets, eating healthily, and working out give way to the festivities that accompany Christmas.
It's okay to participate in the season's festivities and indulge a little, but you absolutely should ensure that you do what's necessary to stay in shape even if your normal routine is interrupted. The good thing for you is that it's still possible to stay in shape during the Christmas season.
So, as you go through the motions of planning Christmas dinner, wrapping presents, and drinking eggnog, why not include these tips for ensuring your health and fitness are in check at the same time?
1. Do Christmas shopping on foot. In this the Information Age, it's pretty easy to just jump on a computer and do all the Christmas shopping online. While it's convenient and efficient, it takes away from the enjoyment of "touch and feel" as well as the physical workout!
· Find the biggest mall in your area and stroll on the weekend in search of gifts for family and friends.
· Visit multiple locations to find the best deals - and secretly the fitness benefits.
· Wear leg shaping sneakers on your expedition so you're getting the added benefit of toned legs and buttocks!
2. Keep healthy snacks around. While watching your favorite Christmas movies or spending the night wrapping presents, it's likely that you'll want to have snacks around. And you can definitely do that, but just ensure they're healthy options and nothing that you'll feel guilty about down the road.
· Nuts are always a good idea for snacking.
· Remember that if something's around when you get hungry, you'll likely eat it. Keep that in mind when shopping for snacks at the supermarket.
3. Participate in daytime festivities. Instead of throwing a late evening bash for friends and family, why not make it brunch? A daytime celebration works out better than a late evening one because even if your food choices aren’t the healthiest, you'll have more time to burn off the calories before bedtime.
4. Go visiting the houses that are all lit up at night. Find a list of houses or just walk around the neighborhood and enjoy the festive show.
5. Go Ice Skating at the local outdoor rink.
6. Go sleigh riding. If you are lucky enough to have some snow, get out there and play!
7. Go skiing for a few days. No surprise this is one of my favorite options.
8. Go to the City. If you are near a city, I’m sure there is plenty of walking, going on downtown. Go check out the tree. Make sure you park far away so you get a good work out in.
9. Do potluck dinner on Christmas Day. There's nothing as yummy as leftovers after Christmas, right? Unfortunately, leftovers can often lead to overeating. Instead of cooking a whole feast, why not team up with friends and potluck on Christmas Day? Fewer leftovers and less expense!
· If you opt to do a rich and creamy macaroni and cheese, bake it in a disposable container instead of your pricey baking dish. That way, you won't feel inclined to take home whatever's left.
While you'll have better luck at staying in shape by staying away from the festivities, that's simply not an option! Christmas comes around for you to enjoy and make the most of. Just be sure that in the midst of the enjoyment are wise decisions that take your health and fitness into consideration. Happy holidays!
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